Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that his government will not take the actions by RUBIS lightly and intends to write to the French government.
RUBIS West Indies Limited, Dominica recently announced the suspension of fuel sales to its customers following significant financial losses incurred since entering Dominica in 2011 and which have accrued at an even greater pace for the past six years. A statement released by the company claims that these losses are due to highly unfavourable mandated fuel prices, which are below the true importation value of fuel.
“RUBIS is a French-owned company and I intend to take this up with the French government as well,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.
According to him, the situation borders on undermining
the country’s national security, and, “I don’t think the government should take that action by RUBIS lightly.”
He believes this is a matter that certainly will receive serious attention from his government.
“We intend to write to the French authority,” Skerrit stated. “If there is a misunderstanding or negotiation you don’t withdraw your services given negotiations have not been concluded.”
Furthermore, he said as far as his government is concerned there is no dispute whatsoever.
“You asked us for an increase we agreed that the increase will be lower than what you accepted and we said when the price of petroleum goes down in the international market at a reasonable rate we will look at extending that profit margin in the interim to cushion the impact [on] yourself and the consumers of the country,” he remarked.
He continued, “The treasury of the country is paying you 85 cents per gallon [of] gasoline sold to the Dominican public, and therefore there is no dispute whatsoever, so it’s not because you made a request the request must be approved and if it’s not approved at the time you wanted it to be approved you declare that there is an issue.”
The Prime Minister asked, “what if RUBIS was the only gas station in Dominica or the only supplier of petroleum products in Dominica?”
Meanwhile, Dominica News Online (DNO) understands that termination letters have been handed to employees of RUBIS gas station.
Employees of that company held a protest outside that business place on Friday following the issuing of the letter.
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Mr foolish man? You expect a business that employs locals to come in, import product for resale. Say 15.00 a gallon and sell that for 11.00
Are you out your head??
So sad 2022 and we Still believing in a failure government.
It is sad for DA
but in France, the government does not intervene the private sector
I doubt very much that the PM will obtain something in return
ROTFL..Zor pas las avec misier!?
I only wish he had wrote to the US Gov’t when ROSS pulled out aka ejaculated prematurely.
More sorry excuses for failure to stimulate an economy over 20 years. More to come Dominicans, the ride go be rough rough rough!! smh.
Alternatively, government could end price controls on petroleum products and let stations compete in an actual market.
Steve, not all things are to be left to the open market or to the will of the majority. Because there aren’t alternatives to petroleum products and the volatility of prices on the world market the government needs to play a part in making sure that the price doesn’t get too exorbitant and choke the country. Imagine if the US government had put it to the voters then to decide if slavery should be abolished. Instead the government decided to end slavery. There are certain things that the government has to take the bull by the horns. Making sure that the price of energy is not too high is one of those.
Jonathan, I think on this one you show character. I too am critical of the PM on many issues (eg. Ross), however, I show support when it comes to bullying our public or holding us for ransom just for extra profit.
1. There actually are alternatives to petroleum products, such as EVs and biodiesel.
2. If were really necessary, government could influence the price through subsidies rather than price controls.
3. Your slavery analogy doesn’t make sense because majority vote and a market for a product are not the same thing.
Pure childlike mentality. Rubis is an independent privately own company, but he intends to speak to the French government as if they are Rubis’ father or mother to tell them to behave themself. Feller adjust your tax rates. Dont you see the average dominican cannot surbive in Dominica the way things are? Much less for many businesses? Ive said it years ago that things have to get worse for it to get better. the NEP program alone was enough evidence that the private sector cannot afford to operate in Dominica with the way things are. When government has to pay for the workforce of the private sector just to try to decrease unemployment and to subsidize the payroll of staff then you know we are in trouble. CBI funds cannot be accessed by the private sector. Only the PM and his friends can say what is to be one with the money.
Rubis might be French, but it has to be registered in Dominica to do business. Correct me if am wrong.
So what is your point?
When Ross University School of Medicine left you did not write to the American government to complain of undermining because Ross is controlled by an American company and because Ross went to your friends in Barbados.
Now Rubis is going you want to write to the French government to complain of undermining because Rubis is a French company and you are a French citizen.
lol I saw the letter Skerrit wrote to the French government so let me share it with you
Hi comrades. Let me start by thanking you for giving me a French passport in 2003 when I was education minister in the cabinet of Pierre Charles. Comrade you know because of my French citizenship I was not qualified to run in 2004 and 2009 but I lied as I usually do.
Best Regards comrades
Rooooosevelt …….. Skerrit
“Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that his government will not take the actions by RUBIS lightly and intends to write to the French government.”
That’s a ridiculous comment of an idi..!
This man Roosevelt Skerrit has no concept of the term business; people like him believes that every wealthy nation on earth owes him and Dominica, and the red devil following him something for free.
They steal government money in the billions to buy elections in Dominica; however when asks to disclosed where the money came from some liar says “from a friendly government.”
There is no friendship in business; what writing to the French government will accomplish; they will simple laugh at the clown Roosevelt!
RUBIS is in Dominica for gain; If a business is profitable, it means that it generates a profit rather than a loss. In other words, the business achieves a financial gain. In a non-business context, the term means ‘useful’ or ‘beneficial.’
why should a company operate at a loss?
Con:
Roosevelt talk all of this crap to impress the illiterates flowing after him; even if that entity selling fuel in Dominica, was ( is ) owned by the Government of France, I doubt simply to accommodate Roosevelt they would buy a product, pay ten cents per gallon, transport to Dominica where they may pay cost of another ten cents, and sell it to Dominicans at one cent per gallon.
Even if Roosevelt believes the world loves him, no government or entity, company in business would remain in business operating at a loss simply because they are sorry for Dominicans, and love the corrupted crook Roosevelt Skerrit.
Roosevelt all I can tell you is keep selling passports to criminals, sit back and see what happen, one day you will sit and self-destruct over the harm you are causing our country. I heard you say Dominica is invisible “too powerful to be defeated or overcome” then you change that stupid comment to resilient, recoil from this and pay Rubis!
The tone of the suggested letter is clear that the little dictator thinks he will control everything in Dominca. For the past 20 plus years Skerritt has had his way talking tough and talking down to others. The double doctorate dude doesn’t understand economics, not surprising because honorary doctorates don’t count in the world of academia, if he did he would handle things professionally and diplomatically. The bus drivers brought him to his knees after bragging that no one will hold a gun to his head. This fuel supply situation is similar to bus service in it’s significance to national development so I expect to see Skerritt cave and come to the table and compromise. This isn’t like selling passports, Skerritt. Get with the program and act and sound like a sensible leader. Why don’t you reach out to your pal Maduro in Venezuela also.
It is not about caving, I think he would be foolish not to dialog with Rubis.
At this point the few Dominicans depending on Rubis for survival may suffer the same fate as the people who was employed by Ross University School of Medicine.
Nobody needs to hold a gun to Roosevelt head, when he has a gun in each hand pointing to both sides of his head.
If the people don’t rid the country of Roosevelt, he will eventually ruin himself, and take the nation down with him.
“We intend to write to the French authority,” Skerrit stated. “If there is a misunderstanding or negotiation you don’t withdraw your services given negotiations have not been concluded.” Furthermore, he said as far as his government is concerned there is no dispute whatsoever.
Mr. Prime Minister please make up your mind because it cannot be both! You cannot say that,“If there is a misunderstanding or negotiation you don’t withdraw your services given negotiations have not been concluded.” And then say, “there is no dispute whatsoever”.
By saying that “there is no dispute whatsoever”, you are actually saying that there is nothing to discuss or negotiate! So which is it?
And by the way Rubis is not a French national company, it is a France-based private international company, market leader in France, Switzerland, Bermuda, Jamaica, Madagascar, Morocco, French Antilles-Guiana, Senegal the Channel Islands and Kenya. Nothing the French Government can do for you! France cannot…
‘Rubis is a France-based international company specialized in the storage, distribution and sale of petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), food and chemical products. Rubis is market leader in France, Switzerland, Bermuda, Jamaica, Madagascar, Morocco, French Antilles-Guiana, Senegal the Channel Islands and Kenya. The company’s business are carried on by a number of subsidiaries, including Coparef, Rubis Terminal, Vitogaz, Kelsey Gas Ltd, Lasfargaz, La Collette Terminal, among others.’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubis_(company)
To use the prime minsiter’s words. What if National bank is the only bank or provider of financial services in Dominica? 👀
This should be a well learnt lesson on how Multi-Nationals exploit developing Nation States like Dominica. Profits. Super profits is their mantra. Rubis and the French Gov’t work together on all foreign policy. Former Slaves holders Franch. one of the Murderous of all the Colonisers, continue to wreck havoc from the Frocophones to Dominica.Wish Mr skerrit all the best in dealing with this Evil Nation of historical Slave chasers.
BobD, I agree to your statement totally. Just look what they continue to do to impoverish Haiti and 14 African countries that they milk over $500 billion annually that those countries they made poor “must” send to the French/Franch treasury or be killed and destabilized.
The UWP and supporters should call for boots on the ground demanding a higher profit for RUBIS,and RUBIS in turn raise the price of gas to consumers.A few weeks ago gas was $18.66 per gallon,UWP asked bus drivers to put boots on the ground.We are waiting to see what UWP and supporters will do seeing the employee’s have been given termination letters.All these blue bed bugs do is post BS while RUBIS workers are out of a job.I hope the employees realize Skerrit is fighting to make sure RUBIS stay open,while UWP is rejoicing at its closure.
Kindergarten Clown; don’t you think you are dumb to be blaming the UWP, and supporters for any of the malfeasance taking place in Roosevelt administration?
The opposition in any country can only exposes the wrong that the government is involve into. Lay the blame on the clown who said ” I am running Dominica.” He is a senseless, uneducated brute, who is walking in an inverted position.
Dumb and stupid people do stupid things, power corrupts, corruption puts one in a position where they make very bad decision, that’s what we have in Dominica; Roosevelt is too busy peddling passports to the highest bidder, selling our country to people who has never set foot in the country, that is why he is blinded to issues revolving around RUBIS and the jobs of the people.
That’s what he was doing when Ross University School of Medicine left Dominica under his very pompous nose playing big, believing that Ross would take his crap forever, because he is damn f……, Roosevelt Skerrit!
LMAO. With all the problems the world has the french government is going to spend time convincing RUBIS a to stay in Dominica despite no profitability because pulling out will undermine national security. This guy is the biggest A hole running any state. Is he trying to hold the company hostage provide socialism gas. The disaster to national security is the PM of Dominica himself. 20 years and youth cannot buy land nor build a home. 20 years and the simple institutions that build wealth and prosperity have been destroyed. 20 years and our source of finance is selling citizenship certificates. 20 years and Chinese effectively control the puppet. I hope you write the letter in french. Ti cochon sans batize.
This statement uttered by Roosevelt is cartoonishly comical. This clearly shows the naivety and thoughtlessness of a simpleton.
This guy is making himself a bigger fool than I could ever imagine. When strangers listen to Roosevelt speak they think that Dominican is an intellectual wasteland.
Ok now…Skerro you know that what saying is filled with half-truths and totally false BS. So you even want to tell a private company when they can stop providing their services? Call the french government
Mr. Dictator but all you will get is a cold shoulder because they themselves know that you hold the title of Met-mah-teer! Stop fighting with RUBIS when you don’t have a leg to stand on legally and save the few jobs they provide. We cannot afford to loose more jobs in Dca again because of your mismanagement.
Skerro garson, is that same “playing Mah-Joor” attitude of yours that killing the country. You fighting Rubis, West Indies Oil, Loreen, Lennox, Athie, Moon-Seh-Woo-Yea, Pawol and everybody else but you still believe is they that wrong and you have all the answers. Man its time for you to go like yesterday so pack up and go and let Dcans start rebuilding the country without you and that cabal of yours.
The French will be shaking with fear already. Skerrit, you are worse than a child that lost his/her dummy. Know your place!!
…and the Manicou Gang. Don’t forget. Let me tell you something 5 of the best French soldiers would kick the living daylight out of a 100 Manicous. The Manicous are big with unarmed people like the citizens of Salisbury at the time. Anything else is beyond them.
A good leader brings people together by his public statements and his prudent actions. A bad leader divides people into different factions. The good leader heals (political) wounds never divides.
Let’s dissect Roosevelt’s stewardship. The country is more fragmented politically, socially and economically than ever before since the attainment of political independence.
The once thriving middle class has been decimated. There was a small fissure before now there is a wide chasm among the populace in terms of wealth. The impoverished citizens are expanding exponentially while the upward mobility of the commoners has been severely stunted.
Dominica can be branded as a FAILED STATE under Roosevelt’s guardianship. Hope has been replaced by desperation; independence by dependency; unity by strife; openness by obscurity; and patriotism by treachery.
Dominicans need to rise up en masse and wrestle the country from Roosevelt’s ironclad stranglehold.
Very well stated, Ibo!
What is wrong with this man? Is not yesterday Rubis has been asking for help. now that they have taken measures to rescue their company, you now want to get a government to intervene? Are you serious? Why were you not proactive? Just pure non sense – continuously failing the citizens of Dominica
With Roosevelt, facts are thin. The man is well known for his fakery. He does almost everything to lower the living standards of his own people while he pampers foreigners, especially Chinese and people of Middle Eastern descent. He is a nemesis of the bona fide Dominican.
RUBIS has been asking for sincere dialog with his administration on the fuel issue. Roosevelt, in his usual arrogant style, summarily dismissed RUBIS’s cries for reasonable and fair negotiations. Now the rubber has hit the road, Roosevelt behaving like a petulant child.
The apathy of the people, the indifference and silence of the news media, means that we have literally surrendered the country to a soulless despot.
Mr. Skerrit, either we are a sovereign independent nation or we are not. Asking the French government to intervene is nonsense.If you want help with fuel supplies ask our friends in Venezuela instead. They promised substantial help with this since 2005 I believe but you could not even pay back the money we owed them and had to depend on debt forgiveness. That is not the way to treat an ally and generous friend. What do you think the French government can do for you? Give you fuel at a subsidised rate without paying up front? I don’t think so. It would be better to ask Ghadarkan, as a Frenchman, to pay full tax on the diesel he has been getting at concessionary rates I believe, ever since he started that quarry in Colihaut. If I’m mistaken in this I will humbly apologise of course.
this statement just proves to me even more that its the governments fault. Just like Ross they sat back until it was too late and then want to play the blame game. never want to take responsibility. seems like basically only corrupt governments in the world today.
a gun to your head skerrit?
where are de fuel tankers carrying a Commonwealth of Dominica flag?
where is de Petro Caribe tanker?
Well open Skerrit Gas Station nuh!!!!!
RUBIS is not Brizee Mart!!!!!!!
De majority of dem flashy car drivers full up at RUBIS……..this is laughable……go and complain to de government of France.
you can’t force dem to accept a losing fate…….you think is dem ordinary blind ignorant supporter you dealing with?????
All that Skerrit can do is lie. I wouldn’t be surprised if he, Mano and others didn’t cause Rubis to run so the corrupt passport dealers could open their own gas company on somebody else’s name
That doesn’t make sense. So since 2011 and the government could not help! So much millions gone missing whiles in the pocket of government and they could at least help
Why should government do anything, it is a private company and not the only company of its kind on the island. Seeing that petroleum products are important to the security of Dominica the government should become the sole importer of petroleum products like they do with rice and sugar.
You forget flour for our breadmy friend. That too is a monopoly.
you mad or what …the government cant maintain itself muchless a petroleum bizzness….who really runs petro caribe??
DNO as we continue to mourn a year after Maria please allow me to remind Dominicans that Satan is a Liar by nature, a Thief that always looks for opportunities to steal and a murderer that will kill anyone or anything standing in his way. So I for sure will not listen to anything Satan says. Lying is his main language.